Remineralising Tooth Enamel
The outermost layer of the tooth, known as enamel, stands as the toughest substance within the human body and acts as a shield for the underlying tooth structure. The enamel is predominantly composed of calcium and phosphate held within a crystalline structure called hydroxyapatite. Through a natural process the enamel loses (demineralisation) and gains (remineralisation) minerals. When demineralization surpasses remineralization over time, it leads to what’s commonly referred to as decay or dental caries. BioMin’s advanced technology helps remineralise tooth enamel and reverse early decay.
Demineralisation, Decay, Caries.
Demineralisation or mineral loss is caused by acids in saliva slowly dissolving the enamel. Acids come from bacteria in the mouth or from acidic foods and or drinks.
Sugars carbohydrates and plaque.
Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial film that consistently develops on your teeth. It contains bacteria including streptococcus mutans which thrive on sugars and carbohydrates and convert them to acids. These acids cause the enamel to dissolve (demineralise) and can be the cause of bad breath. Brushing with toothpaste can help break up and remove the plaque and reduce the risk of decay occurring. Failure to brush or inconsistent brushing on the other hand can cause plaque to harden into what is called tartar, removal of which requires a dental professional.
Acidic foods
Many foods and drinks are sufficiently acidic that they can dissolve the enamel. Colas are the common food people tend to think of as acid but surprisingly Apple juice can have a pH of 3.5 which is significantly below the level at which teeth dissolve (pH 5.5). Other acidic foods include:
- vinegar (pH: 2.00 – 3.00)
- lemon juice (pH: 2.00–2.60)
- limes (pH: 2.00–2.80)
- blue plums (pH: 2.80–3.40)
- grapes (pH: 2.90–3.82)
- pomegranates (pH: 2.93–3.20)
- grapefruits (pH: 3.00–3.75)
- blueberries (pH: 3.12–3.33)
- pineapples (pH: 3.20–4.00)
- apples (pH: 3.30–4.00)
- peaches (pH: 3.30–4.05)
- oranges (pH: 3.69–4.34)
- Congee (pH 4.85 – 5.10)
- tomatoes (pH: 4.30–4.90)
Signs of early decay
Continued mineral loss over a period of time leads to early decay forming. Signs of decay forming or starting to form include :
- Plaque and tartar on the teeth
- White spots lesions developing (note not fluorosis which occurs during adult teeth formation)
- Dull areas of the tooth / grey spots developing
- Grey areas on dental xrays.
Remineralisation and enamel repair
Remineralisation of the enamel, is the process of replacing minerals lost to demineralisation. It can reverse early decay but is unable to repair structural damage. To see the greatest benefits from the remineralisation process you want to reduce or limit demineralisation from occurring. i.e there will be a greater net gain if you reduce mineral loss.
Phase 1 : reduce mineral loss
- Good oral hygiene – brush twice per day with flossing helps remove plaque and bacterial load from the enamel.
- Good general diet – avoiding sugars, carbohydrates reduces the fuel that bacteria can convert to acids.
- Removing acids from diet – avoiding acidic foods and drinking water post consumption can help reduce acid levels in the mouth.
- Sleeping with bottles – children should not go to sleep drinking fruit juices.
Phase 2 : Remineralising tooth enamel
Remineralisation is a natural process and will occur above the critical pH of approx 5.5. The natural remineralisation process is however not efficient, but can be boosted by the following methods:
- Fluoride availability : It has been shown that low level fluoride enhances mineral uptake during enamel remineralisation, and inhibits mineral loss during demineralisation [1,2,3].
- Calcium & phosphate availability : saliva does not intrinsically contain sufficient calcium and phosphate for efficient remineralisation. Delivering calcium and phosphate further enhances mineral uptake. [4,5]
BioMin as a remineralising agent
BioMin toothpaste is a unique remineralising agent, it has been designed to drive the remineralisation process and also retard demineralisation to deliver a greater net mineral gain.
BioMin is the only dental product that can deliver calcium, phosphate & fluoride (BioMin F) to the enamel in a controlled and extended manner, therapeutically available for up to 12 hours. In comparison regular toothpaste generally do not contain calcium and phosphate, and those that contain soluble fluoride can lose their therapeutic benefits in approx 90 mins (1450 ppm adult toothpaste).
BioMin helps retard the demineralisation process in 2 ways :
- BioMin F precipitates fluorapaitite onto the tooth’s enamel, effectively creating a protective armour coating which is 10 times more acid resistant (1 pH).
- BioMin actively reduces pH within the mouth. With brushing a coating of BioMin is left on the enamel, as this coating dissolves it releases the essential minerals of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ( BioMin F). It also reduces acidity in the mouth to help reduce or stop demineralisation from occurring.
References
1 : Cate JM, Arends J. Remineralization of artificial enamel lesions in vitro. Caries Res. 1977;11:277–286. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
2 : ten Cate JM, Duijsters PP. Influence of fluoride in solution on tooth demineralization. I. Chemical data. Caries Res. 1983;17:193–199. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
3 : ten Cate JM, Duijsters PP. Influence of fluoride in solution on tooth demineralization. II. Microradiographic data. Caries Res. 1983;17:513–519. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] JADA 2008;139(5 suppl):25S-34S
4 : Garcia-Godoy F, Maintaining the integrity of the enamel surface. The role of dental biofilm, saliva and preventative agents in enamel demineralization and remineralization
5 : Reynolds EC, Walsh LJ . Additional aids to the remineralisation of tooth structure//Mount GJ, Hume WR. Preservation and restoration of tooth structure.2nd ed. Brisbane: Knowledge Books and Software, 2005: 111–118.